Fiber distribution system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supplying fibrous material to a plurality of fiber processing machines which are arranged in satellite groups with respect to a source of fiber supply. There is a feed duct for each machine and a conduit for each group connected to the feed ducts of the group. Distribution valve means selectively connect each of the satellite conduits to the source of fiber supply and fans located in each conduit between the valve means and its feed ducts draw fibers from the source and blow them toward the feed ducts when the conduit is connected to the source by the distribution valve means.

United States Patent 11 1 Roberson 14 1 Dec.3, 1974 1 1 FIBER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM [75] Inventor: James II. Roberson, Greenville, S.C.

[22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 75,647

[52] US. Cl. 302/28 [51] Int. Cl. 365g 53/08, B65g 53/36 [58] Field of Search 19/105, 105 CF; 302/11-13, 27, 28, 39, 41, 42

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 463,708 11/1891 Williams et a1. 302/28 732,969 7/1903 Stephenson 302/28 2,140,128 12/1938 Craggs 302/28 2,861,840 11/1958 Powischi11eta1.... 302/11 2,964,802 12/1960 Aono et a1. 19/105 CF 3,145,426 8/1964 Hijiya et a1. 19/105 3,284.140 11/1966 Reiterer 302/28 X 3,414,330 12/1968 Trutzschler ..302/28 3 544,167 12/1970 Fucha et a1. 302/27 x FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 149,330 12/1964 U.S.S.R 19/105 CF Primary ExaminerEvon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-W. Scott Carson 5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for supplying fibrous material to a plurality of fiber processing machines which are arranged in satellite groups with respect to a source of fiber supply. There is a feed duct for each machine and a conduit for each group connected to the feed ducts of the group. Distribution valve means selectively connect each of the satellite conduits to the source of fiber supply and fans located in each conduit between the valve means and its feed ducts draw fibers from the source and blow them toward the feed ducts when the conduit is connected to the source by the distribution valve means.

4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENlLL 31974 3,851,832;

SHEET F 4 FIG. 9

L 3.0 4.5 60 7.5 9.0 I05 I I I I I [9.5 2|.O225 24.0

INVENTOR JAMES H. ROBERSON ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to a mechanism for supplying fibrous materials to a plurality offiber processing machines such as cards or pickers'and more particularly to means for pneumatically feeding the fibrous material and purging the feed lines of material.

Known fiber feeding devices feed fibers by compressed air from opening machinery through a conduit to a plurality of branching feed ducts connecting each fiber processing machine. The fibers are fed in a quantity which is greater than the'quantity which can be taken up by the feed ducts and used by the processing machines. The excess. fibers are conveyed further through the conduit back to the opening machine. This results in excessive handling of fibers which is in itself inefficient and also results in undesired damage to the fibers.

A big disadvantage of excessive fiber handling is that when fiber blends are being run, the blending may be altered. Two types of fiber may be carefully blended at the source of supply and may, after excessive handling, end up in unblended bunches at the end of the line. This will occur when, for example, one type of fiber is less dense than the other and travels faster in the air stream.

Excessive fiber handling also results in entangling, "roping and formation of fiber snowballs."

In some prior art fiber feeding arrangements, fibers are blown along a conduit to a series of feed ducts branching off from the conduit,-each feed duct supplying a fiber processing machine. A deflector is located at the entrance of each duct from the conduit for deflecting fibers into the duct. The first duct along the line receives fibers first. After the first duct is filled, fibers are then fed to the next duct down the line and so on until all of the ducts are filled. There is a limit as to how many machines can be supplied in this fashion. The machines down at the end of the line may not be fed adequately due to the attempt of the mechanism to feed prior machines in'the line.

As the number of machines increases, greater initial pressures are needed to compensate for pressure drops down the line. This causes differences in the degree of fiber packing in the feed ducts between the first and last machines in the line in addition to excessive fiber handling. In some prior art devices, the fibers are supplied from an opening machine and pneumatically conveyed along a conduit to a plurality of feed ducts branching therefrom wherein dampers are used to control feeding of fibers to each duct. Thesedampers are controlled through sensing devices in the feed ducts. The dampers are operated so that fibers are directed to a particular duct in which there is a need for fibers. The amount of fibers supplied to a feed duct is limited for any one feeding so that other feed ducts may be supplied. A reserve supply is maintained in'each feed duct so that the feed duct does not run out of fibers before it is supplied again. There is also an overfeed of fibers with the excess being returned through a return duct to the opening machine. As is the case with some closed loop systems in which overfeeding is done, condensing means such as a rotary screen has to be employed at the end of the line and sometimes at the entrance of 2 each feed duct so that fiber laden air can be directed through as fibers are deposited in the duct. The air is directed from the condensor via an auxiliary air duct back to the main duct. With other fiber feeding systems, condensing means are necessary even without a closed loop system when air flow is created by a fan at the end of the line beyond the last duct to pull the air through the conduit. This results in excessive fiber handling. I

The problems associated with prior art systems have been overcome by apparatus such as that disclosed in a commonly assigned co-pending application filed even date herewith in the name or the inventor of the present application jointly with Thomas C. Perry and entitled FIBER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS, Ser. No. 75,400. The mechanism disclosed in the co-pending application includes feed ducts for each of a plurality of fiber processing machines arranged in a group. The feed ducts are connected to a conduit. Pneumatic means'are located in the conduit between the feed ducts and a source of fiber supply. The conduit is selectively connected to the source by a two-position valve. When the valve is in one position, fibers will be drawn into the conduit and directed toward the feed ducts and in the other position, clean air will be drawnfrom the outside for purging the conduit. Sensing means and gating means are associated with the feed ducts for selectively directing fibers to a feed duct in which there is a need for fibers. Control means which include the sensing means are also provided for controlling the gating means and two-position valve so that each feed duct is fed fibers for a predetermined time and each such feeding is followed by a purge of clean air.

A primary advantage of the mechanism just described is that there is no excessive handling of fibers since all the fibers during a particular feeding sequence I are directed to a single feed duct and the purging after the feed cycle cleans out any fibers remaining in the conduit and directs them to the feed duct. The operation of the mechanism is therefore more efficient due to reduced handling of fibers. The conduit is kept clean, thereby preventing fiber build-ups and entanglements. Fibers are not damagedand fiber blends are not altered. Since the air flow with or without fibers is directed to only onefeed duct at a time and there is no return flow required, expensive condensing mechanism or the like is not required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the invention to increase the number of machines which can be supplied by a single source of fiber supply without any of the disadvantages associated with prior art devices.

The object of the invention is accomplished by arranging the machines in a manner similar to that for the co-pending application discussed above but in separate satellite groups, each group having a conduit, pneumatic means and distribution valve means for selectively controlling airflow to any of the groups. The distribution valve means may include the same type of two-position valve discussed above for selectively feeding and purgingthe conduits. In this arrangement, the machines can be arranged in smaller groups which are more easily and efficiently fed since the conduits will be shorter. Greater efficiency can be achieved since the control means can be arrangedso that while a feed duct in one group is being fed fibers,.the conduits for the other groups can be purged. It is possible, therefore, that fibers can be fed continuously from the source and yet each conduit will be purged after each feeding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description in conjunction with the enclosed drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a mechanism for pneumatically feeding a single group of fiber processing machines;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view illustrating a gating unit;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a portion of a fiber supplying apparatus including fiber metering means and a two-position valve;

FIG. 4 is an electrical diagram illustrating the control means for a single group of fiber processing machines;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing a feed duct as it is applied to a fiber processing machine;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the invention wherein fibers are supplied to a plurality of groups of fiber processing machines;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating a plurality of two-position valves for controlling fiber flow to the satellite arrangement of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an electrical diagram illustrating the control means for the satellite arrangement shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating a complete feed and purge cycle for all of the machines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MECHANISM FOR FEEDING FIBERS TO A SINGLE GROUP OF MACHINES The following description relating to FIGS. 1 through 5 does not form a part of the present invention but forms the subject matter of the previously mentioned co-pending application of Roberson and Perry.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, the source of fiber supply is generally indicated by the reference numeral 20. A series of fiber processing machines 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d are each connected to a conduit 24 by feed ducts 26.

Pneumatic means such as a fan 28 is located in conduit 24 for creating an air flow towards the feed ducts. Source includes a metering mechanism 30 connected by a main duct 32 to a machine for supplying fiber stock such as an opener 31. Fibers are fed to the metering mechanism from the opener 31 by a fan 34 which creates an air flow from the opener to the metering mechanism. Conduit 24 is connected to the metering mechanism 30 by a two-position valve 35 (see FIG.

Metering mechanism 30 includes an upper chamber 36 and a lower chamber 38. Duct 32 is connected to the upper portion of upper chamber 36 so that fibers conveyed from duct 32 are deposited in chamber 36.

. The air which conveys the fibers is allowed to escape through vents such as perforated plates or screens 40 located near the top of the chamber 36.

Effectively located between a lower opening in the upper chamber are well-known metering means such as feed rolls 42 and a rotary beater 44. Rolls 42 feed fiber therebetween from chamber 36 to the lower chamber 38. Beater 44, which is located just below the rolls. picks the fibers as they are fed from the rolls and slings them into the lower chamber.

Valve 35 includes a pivoted flap 45 which occupies one of two positions, the first of which is shown in full lines in FIG. 3 whereby conduit 24 is opened to the atmosphere via opening 46. The second position of flap 45 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3 wherein it con nects conduit 24 to lower chamber 38.

Fan 28 operates constantly so that when flap 45 is in the full-line position shown in FIG. 3, air from the atmosphere is drawn in through opening 46 into conduit 24 and directed toward the feed ducts associated therewith. When flap 45 is moved to the dotted line position. air and fibers are drawn from the lower chamber 38 into conduit 24 and conveyed towards the feed ducts. Flap 45 of valve 35 may be moved by a conventional mechanical device such as a solenoid operated fluid cylinder 48.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are a series of gating units 50 for controlling air flow from the conduit 24 to each of its feed ducts. There is no unit 50 for the last duct 26 for reasons which will be apparent from a discussion of the operation of the gating units.

Each gating unit (see FIG. 2) comprises a first gate 52 for controlling air flow from the conduit into its feed duct and a second gate 54 for controlling air flow in the conduit to feed ducts further down the line. Only one gating unit 50 will be described in detail, it being understood that the other units are exactly the same and opcrate in the same manner. Gate 52 comprises a flat door 56 slidable within appropriate grooves 58 of a sleeve 60 mounted on feed duct 26 near the intersection of conduit 24. Sleeve 60 is attached to a fluid cylin der 62 which has a piston rod 63 connected to door 56 for moving it between the open position. as shown in FIG. 2, and the closed position toward the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, whereby it blocks duct 26 to conduit 24. Gate 54 also has a flat door indicated at 56c: slidable in grooves 58a within a sleeve 60a mounted on conduit 24. Sleeve 60a is attached to a fluid cylinder 62a, which has a piston rod 63a attached to door 56 a. Door 56a is shown in its closed position whereby it blocks air flow along conduit 24 to feed ducts further down the line, toward the left as viewed in FIG. 2. Cylinder 62a operates to pull door 56a to its open position whereby conduit 24 opens to direct the air flow to the next feed duct down the line. Cylinders 62 and 62a may be solenoid operated, as will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, one of the feed ducts 26 is shown in connection with fiber processing machine 220. It is to be understood that the remaining ducts and the fiber processing machines which they supply are the same and need not be described in detail. Duct 26 has a vertically extending portion 64 which represents a storage chamber for fiber and contains an evener motion" through which the fibers pass before being fed to the machine 22a by feed rollers or the like 66. An available evener motion may be used such as that illustrated in assignees co-pending US. application Ser. No. 770,010, now US. Pat. No. 3,562,886 DENSITY CONTROL FOR A TEXTILE LAP FORMER, James H. Roberson et a]. The storage chamber includes a pair of screens 68 which extend between the side walls 70 and 72 of the vertically extending portion of duct 26. Screens 68 form a chute for directing fibers down to the feed rolls 66 and a storage compartment 74 for the fibers. As fibers are blown into duct 26 from conduit 24, air is allowed to escape through screens 68 and fibers are deposited in compartment 74. A photoelectric sensing device 76 is located within compartment 74 for sensing the level of fibers therein. This sensor is part of control means to be described, infra. Other similar sensors 76 are located in the feed ducts 26 for the other fiber processing machines.

FIG. 4 represents an electrical diagram of the control means for operating the previously described gating units, metering mechanism and valve. A complete circuit is made by connecting a pair of power lines 80 and 82 which are connected to a source of power 83. A fiber feeding operation may begin when a starter switch 84 is closed, thereby connecting line 85 to power lines 80 and 82. Current flows through line 85 and energizes a cycle timer motor 86 thereon and a starter 87 on line 88, which is connected to line 85. Starter 87 starts beater 44 in metering mechanism 30.

A series of connector switches 90a, 90b, 90c and 90d, which control fiber feeding to ducts 26 of machines 22a. 22b. 22( and 2211'. respectively, are also closed. Other connector switches 92a, 92b and 920, which control gating units 50 for machines 22a, 22b and 226 are closed as well. The connector switches enable individual fiber processing machines to be temporarily shut down for any reason such as repairs without interrupting operation of the other machines in the system. For the remainder of the discussion of the control circuit, it is to be assumed that all of the above-mentioned connector switches are closed.

Cycle timer motor 86 operates a series of timerswitches 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d, which sequentially and for predetermined time intervals connect a series of lines 95a, 95b, 95c and 95d, respectively, to power line 80. Each timer switch is located on a shaft rotated by the motor 86. Entire motor switch units are commercially available and may be of the type produced by Eagle Signal Division of E.'W. Bliss Company and disclosed in their Bulletin 340, dated March I961. The unit disclosed in this bulletin is called a MULTIPULSE REPEAT CYCLE TIMER. Photoelectric sensors 76a, 76b, 76c and 7611 are located in lines 96a, 96b, 96c and 96d, respectively, and connected to lines 95a, 95b. 95c and 9511. respectively. The sensors are arranged in the circuit so that as one of the sensors detects a need for fibers in its respective feed duct, its contact will close and will be effective to connect the appropriate one of lines 95a, 95b, 95c and 95d to a line 97, which is connected to power line 82. Whenever one of the timer switches 94a, 94b. 94c and 94d closes its contact and its corresponding sensor also closes its contact due to a need for fibers. a circuit is completed across line 97 and a relay 98 located thereon is energized. Relay 98 has several normally open contacts 99a, 99b, 99c and 99d on lines 95a, 95b, 95c and 95d, respectively. When relay 98 is energized, its contacts are closed and lines 95a, 95b, 95c and 95d are connected directly to line 97. Closing of these contacts will prevent fluctuating signals from the sensors due to fibers passing by the sensors during a feeding operation. If this were not done. the mechanism connected with a feeding operation would start and stop or chatter. Relay 98 has another normally open contact 100 on line 101. Energization of relay 98 will close contact and complete a circuit across line 101. A feed roll clutch 102 located on line 101 is'energized when contact 100 is closed and starts operation of the feed rolls 42. Solenoid 103, which controls valve cylinder 48, is also located on line 97 and is energized when relay 98 is energized. Solenoid 103 is effective, when energized, to cause cylinder 48 to move flap 45 to the dotted line position in FIG. 3.

Other time switches 104a, 1041] and 1040 are'opcrated by cycle timer motor 86 to complete circuits across lines 106a, 1061) and 106(', respectively. Pairs of solenoids a, 105!) and 105C for operating cylinders 62 and 62a of gating units 50 for machines 22a, 22b and 22c, respectively, are located on lines 106a, 106/; and 106e, respectively, and are energized when their respective lines are energized. For greater efficiency, timer switches 104a, 104b and 104C are arranged to close for spaced time intervals so that each gating unit in succession will be operated to control air flow into its feed duct for a predetermined time interval. Timer switches 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d are also arranged to close for spaced time intervals. These intervals will coincide with those of corresponding gating units but will be of different duration. It is to be understood that energization of a solenoid will move its respective flap 45 or gate 50 to one position and de -energization of the solenoid will move its respective flap or gate to its other position as by a spring return in a manner well-known in the operation of solenoids.

OPERATION OF MECHANISM FOR FEEDING FIBERS TO A SINGLE GROUP OF MACHINES At the beginning ofa feeding cycle, let us assume that all of the feed ducts require fibers so that the contacts of sensors 76a, 76b, 76c and 76d are closed. At this point, all of the gating units are in the position shown in FIG. 2. The timer switches are pre-set for sequential operation. The first timer switch 94a closes to energize relay 98 and close solenoid 103. Relay 98 closes holding contacts 99a, 99b, 99c and 99d. Contact 100 is also closed to energize feed roll clutch 102 while solenoid 103 operates flap 45 to its dotted line position in FIG. 3 to connect chamber 38 to conduit 24. Beater 44, which runs constantly, picks fibers emerging from between the feed rolls and slings them into lower chamber 38. These fibers are drawn into conduit 24 and conveyed to feed duct 26 of machine 22a. The metering mechanism will meter out a specified amount of fiber during a particular time period because the timer switches are pre-set to remain in the closed position long enough to insure that enough fibers are fed to each feed duct to maintain a sufficient supply of fiber to its machine until the next feed cycle. When switch 94a opens, holding contacts 99a, 99b, 99c and 99d are opened and contact 100 is opened to de-energize feed roll clutch 102. Solenoid 103 is'also de-energized to operate flap 45 to its full-line position in FIG. 3 so that clean air will be drawn in through opening 46 and conduit 24 will be purged of loose fibers. Timer switch 104a will remain closed for a predetermined period of time so that the gating unit 50 of machine 22a will remain in the position shown in FIG. 2 so that any fibers purged in conduit 24 will be deposited in the feed duct of machine 22a. At the end of this predetermined period of time, timer switch 104a will open so that solenoids 105a will be de-energized. Cylinders 62 and 62a of the gating unit for machine 22a will operate their respective gates simultaneously so that its gate 52 will close the duct 26 to machine 22a from conduit 24 and its gate 54 will open the conduit to air flow toward the next feed duct 26 for machine 22b. At this time, timer switch 94b will close to again energize relay 98 and solenoid 103 to begin another fiber feeding operation so that fibers will be fed to feed duct 26 of machine 22!) for a sepecified period of time followed by a purge cycle. At the end of the feeding and purging cycle for machine 22b, timer switch 1041) will open, thereby deenergizing solenoid 105b and operating gating unit 50 of machine 22b so that its gate 52 and feed duct 26 will be closed and conduit 24 will be opened to the feed duct of machine 22c. Timer switch 94c will close to again energize relay 98 and solenoid 103 to begin a feeding and purging cycle for machine 260. At the end of the cycle for machine 22c,switch 104a will open to deenergize solenoids 105C to close the duct 26 of machine 22c and open conduit 24 to duct 26 of machine 22d while switch 94d closes tobegin a feed and purge cycle for machine 22d. At the end of the feed and purge cycle for 22d, all of the timer switches 104a, 104b and 104v will close and solenoids 105a, 105b and 105C will be energized so that the gating units will all be returned to the position shown in FIG. 2.

The complete feeding cycle described above will be repeated so that each feed duct will be fed a specified amount of fiber in turn. If one of the sensors indicates that there is no need for fibers, the circuit to relay 98 and solenoid 103 will not be completed and no fibers will be fed during the feed period assigned to the corresponding feed duct. However, the gates controlling air flow to the corresponding feed duct will not be affected and the period including feeding and purging time will be devoted to purging conduit 24. if desired, the machines may be overfed slightly to insure that no machine will run out of fiber.

Four feed ducts are shown in the drawings and have been described with respect to a particular feeding cycle; obviously, other machines could be added with similar controls and other feed cycle variations could be used as desired. Whatever the number of fiber processing machines supplied from conduit 24, there will always be one less gating uriit than there are machines since the feed duct to the last machine does not require any gating associated with its feed duct.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of fiber processing machines are arranged in separate groups as, for example, four groups identified as groups A, B, C and D. Group A contains four machines identified as A1, A2, A3 and A4. Groups B, C and D each have four machines in consecutive numerical order as Bl through B4 for group B; Cl through C4 for group C; and D1 through D4 for group D. Conduits 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d are associated with groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Each conduit is connected to the machines in its group by feed ducts 26' which are identical to previously described feed ducts 26. There is a fan 28' associated with each conduit for creating an air flow therein in the same manner as fan 28 in conduit 24. Gating units 50, identical to previously described gating units 50, are employed with each group in the same manner as for the group in FIG.,1 to control air flow from each conduit to selected ones of its feed ducts. Fibers are drawn from a'source such as an opener 31a by a fan 34a and blown into a metering mechanism 300 via a main duct 32a. Metering mechanism 30a is similar to mechanism 30 except that its lower chamber 38a is selectively con nected to conduits 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d through a distribution valve means 107 which is made up of a plurality of two-position valves similar to 35. These valves are identified in FIG. 7 as 35a, 35b, 35c and 35a for controlling feeding of fibers to conduits 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively. Fans 28' create an air flow from valve means 107 toward the feed ducts in each conduit. Each valve 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d. like 35, are operable between a first position whereby atmospheric air is drawn into its conduit for purging and a second position to connect its conduit to lower chamber 380 ofmetering mechanism 30a.

The control means for the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 is illustrated by the electrical diagram shown as FIG. 8. The circuit in FIG. 8 includes a pair of power lines 800 and 82a connected to a source of power 83a. The fiber feeding apparatus is started by closing a starter switch 108 which completes a circuit across a line 109 containing a starter 87a for the beater, not shown, in metering mechanism 30a and a cycle timer motor 86a similar to motor 86. A line 110 containing a feed roll clutch 1020 is connected to power line 82a. Clutch 102a is similar to clutch I02 and controls feed rolls, not shown, in metering mechanism 30a. A series of parallel lines 112, 113, I14 and are connected on one side to line 80a via line 109 and switch 108 and on the other side to line 110. Parallel lines 112, I13, 114 and 115 contain contacts R115, RbS, RC5 and Ra'S, respectively, of relays RA, RB, RC and RD. respectively, on lines I16, 117, I18 and 119, respectively. all of which are connected to power line 82a. Lines I16, 117, 118 and 119 also contain solenoids 1030, 103b, 103C and 103d, respectively, which control valves 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d, respectively. Line 116 is connected to parallel lines 120, 121, 122 and 123, which are connected to power line 800 through switches 124, 125, 126 and 127 and which contain timer switches AlA, A2A, ABA and A4A. respectively. Photoelectric sensors EAI, EA2, EA3 and EA4 associated with machines Al, A2, A3 and A4, respectively, are located on lines 120, 121, 122 and 123, respectively. As in the case of FIG. 4, the closing of one of the timer switches together with a sensor which indicates a need for fibers will complete a circuit across line 116 and energize relay RA which will cause its contact R05 to close and energize clutch 1020 to start the feed rolls in the metering mechanism 30a. Solenoid 1030 will also be energized to operate valve 35a to feed fibers to conduit 24a. Energization of relay RA will close contacts R01, R02, Ra3 and Ra4 in lines which bridge sensors EA], EA 2, EA3 and EA4, respectively, which represent controls for machines Al, A2, A3 and A4, respectively, Similar circuitry for controlling relays RB RC and RD and solenoids 103b, 103C and 103d for machine groups B. C and D, respectively, are indicated generally by dotted blocks CB, CC and CD for machine groups B, C and D, respectively. The circuitry in each of these dotted blocks include starter switches, sensors and timer switches for each machine. Each timer switch is operated from cycle timer motor 860 as are switches AlA, AZA, A3A and A4A.

Cycle timer motor 86a also controls'timer switches for each gating unit. Timer switches 128, 129 and 130 are effective to complete a circuit across lines 131, 132

- bers periodically. If, for exam'ple,.fibers were fed at the and 133, respectively, containing solenoid pairs 13 4,

135 and 136, respectively. Solenoid pairs 134, 135 and 136 control the gating units 50 associated with machines Al, A2 and A3, respectively, for machine group A. Lines 131, 132 and 133' also contain connector switches 137, 138 and 139. The gating units for the machine groups B, C and D are controlled by similar circuitry which neednot be defined in detail for an understanding of the invention since the circuitry for each of the gating units of groups B, C and D is indicated generally at 140 and is identical to that for machine group A.

There are many ways in which the timer switches can be pre-set to control the feeding and purging sequences for all of the machines shown in FIG. 6. One of the more efficient timing arrangements is as follows: At the beginning of a feed cycle, all gating units 50 are in the position of units 50, as shown in FIG. 2. Assuming that there is a need for fibers in each feed duct, the timing switch controlling the solenoid for valve 35a closes and valve 35a is moved to its fiber feeding position. The metering rolls in metering mechanism 300 are also operated to supply fibers. Fibers will therefore be fed to machine A1. After a predetermined time interval, valve 35a is returned to its purging position and valve 35b is shifted to its feeding position to feed fibers to machine Bl. After another time interval, valve 35b is returned to its purging position and valve 35c is shifted to its feeding position. After still another time interval, valve 350 is returned to its purging position and valve 35d is moved to its feeding position. So far in the cycle, none of the gating units have been shifted so that while machine D1 is being fed, conduits 24a, 24b and 24c are being purged. When valve 35d is shifted to its purging position, valve 350 is again moved to its feeding position and fibers are conveyed through conduit 2411. At this time, the gating for machine Al is operated to close off the feed duct to machine AI and direct fibers to machine A2. After a predetermined time period. valve 351: is moved to its purging position and valve 35b is moved to its feeding position to feed fibers into conduit 24h. Simultaneously, the gating unit for machine B1 is operated to close the'feed duct to machine B1 and convey fibers to the feed duct of machine B2. Valve 35c and the gating unit for machine C1 are then shifted to feed fibers to machine C2 while valve 35b is moved to its position for purging conduit 24b. Valve 35d and the gating unit for machine D1 are then shifted to feed fibers to the feed duct 26' of machine D2 while valve 35c is switched to its purging position. After machine D2 is fed, the gating unit for machine A2 and valve 35a are shifted to fiber feeding positions to feed machine A3. The cycle is repeated until machines B3, C3, D3, A4, B4, C4 and D4 are fed. After machine D4 is fed, all of the gating units are returned to their original positions and the entire cycle is repeated. It can be seen, therefore, that in the feeding cycle just described, fibers are being fed constantly and yet each conduit can be purged while fibers are being conveyed through therate of l 10 percent of machine consumption during the complete cycle period, each machine would not require fibers every tenth feeding cycle.

Referring to FIG. 9, the feeding cycle just described is illustrated for all of the machines shown in FIG. 6. The machines are represented by the horizontal blocks identified as Al through D4 which correspond to machines Al through D4 in FIG. 6. The vertical columns represent time periods, each period being approximately l /2 seconds. The portions of the cycle in which air is being directed to a feed duct for a particular machine is represented by shaded and solid portions. The solid portions represent the periods when fibers are being fed to the feed ducts and the shaded portion represents the purging time. FIG. 9 graphically shows the overlapping of fiber feeding and purging with respect to certain machines in each group; for example, fibers are fed to the feed duct of machine A1 during the first .I /2 seconds of a cycle and the conduit associated therewith is purged for the next 4 /2 seconds while machines Bl, Cl and D1 are being sequentially fed. The duct for machine Al remains open during the first 6 seconds for feeding and purging. After 6 seconds, the duct for machine A1 is closed and the duct for machine A2 is openedto begin another round of feeding and purging.

Having described the invention, what is now claimed 1.- Apparatus for supplying textile fibers to a plurality of groups of fiber processing machines comprising:

a. a source of fiber supply;

b. a feed duct for each of said fiber processing machines;

c. a satellite conduit for each of said groups connected to respective feed ducts in its group;

d. an electromechanical two-position valve for each of said satellite conduits, each of said valves being effective when in a first position to open its conduit to the atmosphere and close its conduit from said source of fiber supply and effective in a second position to close its conduit from the atmosphere and open its conduit to said source of fiber supply;

e. pneumatic means for creating an air flow ineach of said satellite conduits from their respective twoposition valves towards their respective feed ducts;

f. electromechanical gating means associated with each of said groups for selectively connecting each of the feed ducts pneumatically to their satellite conduits; and

g. control means comprising:

1. means for sensing a need for fibers in each of said feed ducts, said sensing means including a sensor switch associated with each of said feed ducts which is actuated by a need for fibers;

2. first timer switches, one for each of said feed ducts, which are connected in series with respective sensor switches of said sensing means, each of said first timer switches being effective for shifting its respective two-position valve to its second position for a first period of time to initiate a feeding cycle when its corresponding sensor switch is actuated by a need for fibers, said first timer switches being arranged so that only one of said two-position valves may be in its second position at any one time; and

3. second timer switches, synchronized with said first timer switches, for controlling said gating means so that a feed duct whose sensor switch initiates a feeding cycle will be pneumatically connected to its corresponding satellite conduit for the entire period of time that said twoposition valve is in its second position and for a second period of time thereafter, whereby fibers can be supplied to a feed duct in one of said groups of machines for a first period of time and immediately thereafter a purging air can be directed to said feed duct for a second period of time while fibers are supplied to a feed duct in another of said groups of machinesduring said second period of'time.

2. The textile fiber supplying apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second timer switches are arranged to operate said gating means so that one feed duct will be pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit for each group successively and the feed ducts within each of said groups will be connected successively, each of said connections within a group being maintained until another feed duct within the same group is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit.

3. Apparatus for supplying textile fibers to a plurality of groups of fiber processing machines comprising:

a. a source of fiber supply;

b. a feed duct for each of said fiber processing machines;

c. a satellite conduit for each of said groups connected to respective feed ducts in its groups;

(1. an electromechanical two-position valve for each of said satellite conduits, each of said valves being effective when in a first position to open its conduit to the atmosphere and close its conduit from said source of fiber supply and effective in a second position to close its conduit from the atmosphere and open its conduit to said source of fiber supply;

e. pneumatic means for creating an air flow in each of said satellite conduits from their respective twoposition valves towards their respective feed ducts;

f. electromechanical gating means for each of said feed ducts for which there is at least one more feed 'duct in its respective group of machines further removed from said source of fiber supply, said gating means comprising:

1. a first solenoid operated gate for pneumatically opening and closing said feed duct to its respective satellite conduit; and

2. a second solenoid operated gate for pneumatically opening and closing said respective satellite conduit to feed ducts associated therewith which are futher removed from said source of fiber sup- P y;

g. control means comprising:

l.'means for sensing a need for fibers in each of said feed ducts. said sensing means including a sensor switchassociated with each of said feed ducts which is actuated by a need for fibers;

2. first timer switches, one for each of said feed ducts, which are connected in series with respective sensor switches of said sensing means. each of said first timer switches being effective for shifting its respective two-position valve to its second position for a first period of time to initiate a feeding cycle when its corresponding sensor switch is actuated by a need for fibers, said first timer switches being arranged so that only one of said two-position valves may be in its second position at any one time; and

3. second timer switches for operating said gating means so that one feed duct will be pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit for each of said groups successively at timed intervals, each of said connections being made for a first time period which lasts until a feed duct in another group is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit and a second time period which extends from said first time period until another feed duct in its group of machines is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit, the feed ducts in each group being pneumatically successively connected to their respective satellite conduits after intervals of said combined first and second time periods, said second timer switches being synchronized with said first timer switches so that each of said two-position valves will be in its second position only when a feed duct associated with its corresponding satellite conduit, in which there was sensed a need for fibers, is pneumatically connected to said conduit and only during said first time period,

4. The textile fiber supplying apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said second timer switches are arranged to operate in cycles so that at the beginning of one cycle all of said first gates are open and all of said second gates are closed, said first gates are closed and said second gates are opened in sequence beginning with the feed ducts nearest said source of fiber supply for each of said groups of machines successively and then for the remaining feed ducts in order of relative nearness to said source of fiber supply and in the same order as for said nearest feed ducts with respect to feed ducts of equal relative nearness in said groups until all of said first gates are closed and said second gates are opened after which all of said first gates will open and said second gates will close to begin another cycle, 

1. Apparatus for supplying textile fibers to a plurality of groups of fiber processing machines comprising: a. a source of fiber supply; b. a feed duct for each of said fiber processing machines; c. a satellite conduit for each of said groups connected to respective feed ducts in its group; d. an electromechanical two-position valve for each of said satellite conduits, each of said valves being effective when in a first position to oPen its conduit to the atmosphere and close its conduit from said source of fiber supply and effective in a second position to close its conduit from the atmosphere and open its conduit to said source of fiber supply; e. pneumatic means for creating an air flow in each of said satellite conduits from their respective two-position valves towards their respective feed ducts; f. electromechanical gating means associated with each of said groups for selectively connecting each of the feed ducts pneumatically to their satellite conduits; and g. control means comprising:
 1. means for sensing a need for fibers in each of said feed ducts, said sensing means including a sensor switch associated with each of said feed ducts which is actuated by a need for fibers;
 2. first timer switches, one for each of said feed ducts, which are connected in series with respective sensor switches of said sensing means, each of said first timer switches being effective for shifting its respective two-position valve to its second position for a first period of time to initiate a feeding cycle when its corresponding sensor switch is actuated by a need for fibers, said first timer switches being arranged so that only one of said two-position valves may be in its second position at any one time; and
 3. second timer switches, synchronized with said first timer switches, for controlling said gating means so that a feed duct whose sensor switch initiates a feeding cycle will be pneumatically connected to its corresponding satellite conduit for the entire period of time that said two-position valve is in its second position and for a second period of time thereafter, whereby fibers can be supplied to a feed duct in one of said groups of machines for a first period of time and immediately thereafter a purging air can be directed to said feed duct for a second period of time while fibers are supplied to a feed duct in another of said groups of machines during said second period of time.
 2. first timer switches, one for each of said feed ducts, which are connected in series with respective sensor switches of said sensing means, each of said first timer switches being effective for shifting its respective two-position valve to its second position for a first period of time to initiate a feeding cycle when its corresponding sensor switch is actuated by a need for fibers, said first timer switches being arranged so that only one of said two-position valves may be in its second position at any one time; and
 2. first timer switches, one for each of said feed ducts, which are connected in series with respective sensor switches of said sensing means, each of said first timer switches being effective for shifting its respective two-position valve to its second position for a first period of time to initiate a feeding cycle when its corresponding sensor switch is actuated by a need for fibers, said first timer switches being arranged so that only one of said two-position valves may be in its second position at any one time; and
 2. a second solenoid operated gate for pneumatically opening and closing said respective satellite conduit to feed ducts associated therewith which are futher removed from said source of fiber supply; g. control means comprising:
 2. The textile fiber supplying apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said second timer switches are arranged to operate said gating means so that one feed duct will be pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit for each group successively and the feed ducts within each of said groups will be connected successively, each of said connections within a group being maintained until another feed duct within the same group is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit.
 3. second timer switches for operating said gating means so that one feed duct will be pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit for each of said groups successively at timed intervals, each of said connections being made for a first time period which lasts until a feed duct in another group is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit and a second time period which extends from said first time period until another feed duct in its group of machines is pneumatically connected to its satellite conduit, the feed ducts in each group being pneumatically successively connected to their respective satellite conduits after intervals of said combined first and second time periods, said second timer switches being synchronized with said first timer switches so that each of said two-position valves will be in its second position only when a feed duct associated with its corresponding satellite conduit, in which there was sensed a need for fibers, is pneumatically connected to said conduit and only during said first time period.
 3. Apparatus for supplying textile fibers to a plurality of groups of fiber processing machines comprising: a. a source of fiber supply; b. a feed duct for each of said fiber processing machines; c. a satellite conduit for each of said groups connected to respective feed ducts in its groups; d. an electromechanical two-position valve for each of said satellite conduits, each of said valves being effective when in a first position to open its conduit to the atmosphere and close its conduit from said source of fiber supply and effective in a second position to close its conduit from the atmosphere and open its conduit to said source of fiber supply; e. pneumatic means for creating an air flow in each of said satellite conduits from their respective two-position valves towards their respective feed ducts; f. electromechanical gating means for each of said feed ducts for which there is at least one more feed duct in its respective group of machines further removed from said source of fiber supply, said gating means comprising:
 3. second timer switches, synchronized with said first timer switches, for controlling said gating means so that a feed duct whose sensor switch initiates a feeding cycle will be pneumatically connected to its corresponding satellite conduit for the entire period of time that said two-position valve is in its second position and for a second period of time thereafter, whereby fibers can be supplied to a feed duct in one of said groups of machines for a first period of time and immediately thereafter a purging air can be directed to said feed duct for a second period of time while fibers are supplied to a feed duct in another of said groups of machines during said second period of time.
 4. The textile fiber supplying apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said second timer switches are arranged to operate in cycles so that at the beginning of one cycle all of said first gates are open and all of said second gates are closed, said first gates are closed and said second gates are opened in sequence beginning with the feed ducts nearest said source of fiber supply for each of said groups of machines successively and then for the remaining feed ducts in order of relative nearness to said source of fiber supply and in the same order as for said nearest feed ducts with respect to feed ducts of equal relative nearness in said groups until all of said first gates are closed and said second gates are opened after which all of said first gates will open and said second gates will close to begin another cycle. 